Phones are all a bit samey in 2025, so when something different comes out, we can’t help but pay attention. The TCL NxtPaper 60 XE is one of the most interesting phones we’ve reviewed recently, with a full-color, paper-like display. It’s an impressive budget phone that in many ways outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at a similar price. And now that Black Friday deals are here, that price just got even lower. 

You’ll be happy to hear that the TCL NxtPaper 60 XE is currently reduced to its lowest price ever. Right now, it’s reduced from $250 to $170 on Amazon. The only catch is that this Black Friday deal is only available to Prime members. We don’t know how long this promotion will last, but this is a new record-low price for it, and since Black Friday is in a few days, it’s better to buy now than wait.

This phone hits top marks for everyday use. Its screen is large, the 120Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth and the battery lasted CNET’s Tyler Graham throughout the entire day, even with frequent use. If you take a lot of selfies, you’ll enjoy a big 32-megapixel upgrade to the front-facing camera, though the camera system is otherwise similar to TCL’s 50 series phones.

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The shiny bonus features on the TCL NxtPaper 60 XE are the eponymous NxtPaper digital ink and e-reader modes and cloud-based TCL AI. You might not use these features regularly, but they’re solid value adds to an already budget phone. The 60 XE is working off a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor with 8GB of memory.

“Compared to other phones in a similar price range, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G delivers where it counts for day-to-day use,” Graham wrote in his review, “and its impressive bells and whistles sweetened my experience with the phone.”

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Why this deal matters

The TCL NxtPaper 60 XE is one of the most unusual smartphones we’ve reviewed recently. It’s definitely worth being on your radar if you’re on the lookout for a new budget handset. Already at a fairly inexpensive price, this deal makes it a no-brainer for those looking for something a little different. Just make sure you get your order in sooner rather than later, as this deal could end at any time, especially with Black Friday in just a few days. Remember, this deal is only for Prime members. 

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